God is love, but He is also just. The law of love begins and ends with Him. Anything outside of it comes under judgement.

27 Whoever digs a pit [intending malice] will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone [intending harm], it will roll back on him [boomerang justice].

Our salvation is like two sides of a coin:

1. We get to have a relationship with the God of the universe!
2. We need a Savior because of our sin; we need Jesus!

God imparts to us His righteousness because of our reconciliation to Him through Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18, 21). From that point on, He sees us as righteous. Our sin and its debt are blotted out–it’s not even legible anymore! A person may ask, “Does God choose who comes to Him and who doesn’t?” The answer is YES–and NO.

It is YES in that Jesus makes known the Father to whom He chooses,

²⁷ “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Matthew 11:27

It is NO in that Jesus beckons all to come to Him,

²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

What does it take for a person to become one of God’s elect? All we have to do is ask!

Jesus made a very apt point in a comparison story:

⁹ “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? ¹⁰ Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? ¹¹ If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:9-11

Even as far back as Isaiah, we have this promise:

¹⁸ “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
Isaiah 1:18

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters;
and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.
Isaiah 55:1

And, just as it is God who saves us, He also keeps us. Wendel Estep once said, “Our fellowship with God is very fragile because it depends on us. Our relationship with God is very secure because it depends on Him.” In the same way that we chose to follow Christ and receive the new life and are adopted by God the Father, we choose to follow Him every day. In following Him, we train in holiness. Sure, it’s dirty work (whoever said that God can’t look upon sin…!), but the Holy Spirit is purifying us (Titus 2:14) to be a spotless bride for the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27).

So, when we present Christ, be sure to present both sides of the coin. Be aware of which side to emphasize according to your audience, but make sure that both sides are presented. It’s important.

Abba, thank You that You chose me. Thank You for all Jesus did to give me the opportunity to respond to His call. Knowing You personally is beyond words! May I share with anyone who will listen. Lead me to them, Abba. Amen.